By separating food and yard waste from regular garbage, it helps reduce the production of methane, one of the more potent greenhouse gases in terms of warming the atmosphere. Further, diverting unnecessary waste from the landfill will extend the life of the current facility, rather than needing to invest in a new one, which is a significant and costly project.
Here are some helpful tips and resources:
What items can be collected?
The curbside organics collection program allows for an extensive range of kitchen waste to be collected such as dairy products, fruit & vegetables, fish & shellfish, and coffee filters, to food-soiled paper from takeaway meals. It also includes yard trimmings such as grass, leaves and light trimmings. All of the eligible items are picked up weekly by the same truck. View the full list of organic items that can and cannot be included.
Learn more about a new Regional Organics Composting facility project operated by the Comox Strathcona Waste Management Service (CSWM).
What about participation in multi-family complexes?
Currently, there is no organic collection available for multi-family complexes. Please dispose your organics waste into your regular garbage and any backyard compost you may have (fruit and vegetable waste only). As the Town changes to automated carts for curbside collection in 2024, there will be a review of what multi-family complexes will be eligible for organics pick-up. This page will be updated with further information on changes to participation as it becomes available.